Question:
I work in an office next to the beach and take the train home every day. Normally, I say Tehillim on the way home, but now that it is summer, the trains are much fuller, with people not dressed or speaking appropriately. A lot of times while saying Tehillim, I hear really bad language, and it really disgusts me. I wanted to know if it is better to listen to music instead so I will not have to hear any inappropriateness, but that would mean giving up saying Tehillim. I wanted to know which is better?
Answer:
I would suggest that you say Tehillim, if you can, and there aren’t immodestly dressed women in front of you. If the issue is only about hearing foul language, you can use earphones while you say your Tehillim. That would block out some of the distasteful language. If this is difficult for you, how about listening to any one of the thousands of siurim on Kol Halashon or TorahAnytime. This will help you use your time in a constructive way, and you won’t hear the foul language. Close your eyes and enjoy your shiur. You just transported yourself from Gehinnom to Gan Eden.
Best wishes
